[tim3]

hi,
brand new member with prob the oldest question on this site: shoud I buy a 4-year old r1200r from my local bmw dealer?!

my concern is the infamouse bmw maintenance costs. it seems to not get any more expensive than a bmw, yet the R-series is supposed to be simple and less costly than other bmws. but can anyone tell me what I am looking at yearly in an average scenario? the bike is in perfect ship shape (rode it today and I think I am in love! the vibration, the slight boxer pull when rev'ing, the torque, the fit, the whole thing!).

I am pretty novice at bike mechanicals. had a ducati monster which was great fun which I simply handed to the shop when something was of concern! drive worn-out royal enfields in india on a regular basis, where mechanics come dirt cheap. so, I know close to nothing about the mechanical = most maintain&problem would go straight to the dealer.

hence gentlemen and connoisseurs of this forum.. is this a bike for me? I would really appreciate your word.

best tim

 

[flbmw]

The bike looks good, but, how many miles are on her? What's the asking price? Overall, there is nothing wrong with an '08. I ride an '07 that I absolutely love. Buying a 4 year old ride, I would first change plugs, air filter, change oil and filter and change tranny and rear end oils. I might even consider swapping out the fuel pump controller if the stock one is still in there.

 

[tim3]

hey there flbmw,
thanks for taking the time ..

13.500 miles / $9500 + dealer fees, tag, etc.
my understanding is that she had a full fluid flush and new abs breaks. I haven't asked in further yet.

how about general maintenance ... what am I looking at there? how much does yours run you a year? what do you think I can expect? that's my main concern..

yours tim

 

[flbmw]

Hi Tim, 13,500 is really low mileage. Do some haggling with the dealer and knock the price down a bit. But, overall, it sounds good. My biggest concern is always the ABS pump. I've never been a fan of ABS, just because of the costs of an ABS pump replacement. Around here, we're talking around $2400.00 for parts and labor. The ABS pump on my '07 has already crapped out. Luckily, it was right at the end of my warranty period and BMW replaced it. If it ever goes again, I will not pay the money to replace it. I would probably just bypass it and convert to straight disc brakes and lose the ABS.
As far as general maintenance costs. You're not going to break the bank. Oils, filters, tires etc. The miles of fun will out weigh any maintenance costs.

 

[Happy Camper]

Hey Tim.
I bought a 07 with 6000 kms on the clock. Bike was in perfect condition, but the ABS pump also went. Had to replace and it was costly, but still well worth it. Just have it checked out and you should be ok. Enjoy!

 

[tim3]

thanks a bunch FLBMW and HAPPY CAMPER.
the bike seems in top condition yet it's pretty crucial for me to get some feedback from guys like you with hands-on r1200r experience before I buy as 10K is a big lift from my pocket. Oki doki, I'll pursue to next round of dealing with the shop

 

[Hoshiko]

Hey Tim3, welcome to the forum,
The cost of owning a motorcycle varies for many different reasons, Don't forget insurance, I personally pay more for insurance then anything else on my bike, including gas, I live on a city where motorcycle insurance is top dollar so it does not matter if you have a 250cc hyosung or a BMW R1200R, insurance will be a big factor, more then maintenance.
This is my first BMW but on my past experience on my Yamaha, I had the same exact services done by 2 different stealerships, one I did while visiting family in North Carolina and it was less then half the one in Brooklyn New York.
I know for people around, the stealership in Manhattan charges more and needs your bike to stay for few days, even for an oil change, thats why i comute for my 40 minute, cheaper service to NJ.
I have also seen BMW Rs on the 200,000 miles zone and still used as a daily commuter, don't know how much that people spent on their services but I'm sure is cheaper then replacing a whole bike every 20-30,000 miles.

Just go, buy the thing you want, ride and be happy, happiness is priceless.

 

[tim3]

hey ho,
called dealer at noon .. he had sold it this morning! well, good for him. perhaps my next bike will be a R1200R .. for sure my monkey balls wanna take that ride again . guess I have to wait till another comes around. thanks for your help and advice ... muuuch appreciated.